As part of our constituent service efforts, my office refers residents to other resources that can help solve problems they are experiencing in their daily lives.

Maintaining good mental health is an important part of anyone’s life and is often underappreciated or overlooked until more serious problems arise. Please take time to read more about available resources on this page, and click on the links provided to visit each office, agency or program's website.

Remote/Online Resources

Lifeline Chat – Online ChatLifeline Chat connects individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. You can chat or instant message online. Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

BetterHelp Online Remote Counseling - Remote CounselingBetterHelp is the largest online counseling platform, matching you to an available counselor who fits your objectives, preferences, and the type of issues you are dealing with through a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Psychology Today – Finding Therapists, General ResourcesSearch for therapists, psychiatrists, treatment centers or support groups by specialty, insurance coverage, and other relevant info.

Text Hotlines

Crisis Text Line:Free and confidential support for individuals in crisis available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Text “HOME” to 741-741

Phone Hotlines

CARES LineCrisis and Referral Entry Services available 24 hours 7 days a week designed to assist individuals in Illinois who are a risk to themselves or others due to a mental health crisis. Dial 1-800-345-9049

Crisis Care ProgramLake County crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to speak with you by phone to help through difficult times, manage stress, anxiety, depression and cope with longer-term difficulties. The service can provide referrals to health care providers but charges sliding-scale fees based on income. Dial 847-377-8088

National Suicide Prevention LifelineThe Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Dial 1-800-273-8255

National Alliance on Mental IllnessHotlines for NAMI services.National number: 1-800-950-6264State of Illinois: 800-346-4572Lake County Chapter: 847-249-1515Lake County Services in Spanish: 224-818-6164

Military OneSourceMilitary Onesource provides guidance on resources, and referrals ranging from for current service members or members within 1 year of active service and their dependents.

The Department on AgingThe Department on Aging manages services the State provides to help elderly residents. These services include helping families select nursing homes, providing support services to help people stay in their homes and communities and financial assistance for low-income seniors. It also works to prevent elder abuse.

The Department of AgricultureThe Department of Agriculture supports farmers' and other agricultural product businesses. It also enforces food safety standards to protect consumers, runs the State Fair and works with other agencies to protect the environment.

Illinois Arts CouncilThe Arts Council's primary purpose is to support arts and culture in Illinois. It distributes grants and helps publicize artistic events. Visit their website to find cultural events and institutions near you.

Office of the Attorney GeneralThe Attorney General's primary function is to serve as the State's chief lawyer. However, her office also provides a number of services relating to consumer protection, victim's rights and safety. It also regulates a few Illinois industries and arbitrates Freedom of Information Act disputes.

Attorney Registration and Disciplinary CommissionThis commission is charged with protecting the integrity of Illinois' legal profession. If you are looking for a lawyer, you can check their website to make sure he or she is authorized to practice. You can also request an investigation if you believe your lawyer has violated your rights.

Office of the Auditor GeneralThe Auditor General ensures that State agencies and programs are not wasting taxpayer dollars. You can read completed audits on his website.

The Capital Development BoardThe Capital Development Board manages major State construction projects. If you have questions about Illinois building codes or would like to engage in construction business for the State, you should visit their website. They also maintain an "Art in Architecture" program to beautify public spaces.

Department of Central Management ServicesThe Department of Central Management Services primarily provides support services for State agencies. However, if you own a business and want to work with the State, it manages many State contracts, so you should visit its website to learn about procurement procedures.

Department of Children and Family ServicesThe Department of Children and Family Services protects children whose families cannot or will not take care of them. It also licenses daycare facilities. If you are interested in adoption or fostering, have questions about child abuse or are part of a low-income family with children who needs extra help, DCFS is the agency you need to contact.

Department of Commerce and Economic OpportunityThe Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity exists to support Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs. If you own a business or are looking to start one, visit its website for helpful information. It also operates the State's heating, cooling, and weatherization assistance programs for low-income families.

Commerce CommissionThe Commerce Commission regulates public utilities and transportation companies. Its primary function is consumer protection, so visit its website for helpful information or to file complaints about the companies it regulates.

Community College BoardThe Community College Board manages Illinois' community college network. These public schools provide associate's degrees, trade certificates, continuing education programs and more. They are a very economical way to begin pursuing higher education.

Comprehensive Insurance PlanCHIP helps individuals who cannot find insurance from other sources get covered. It is not free, and its primary purpose is to help individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Office of the ComptrollerThe comptroller's job is to manage the spending of State money. If you want to track how your taxdollars are spent, you should visit her website. You should also contact her office if you do business with the State and are experiencing financial hardship due to late payments because she determines the order in which bills are paid.

Department of CorrectionsThe Department of Corrections' primary job is to oversee State correctional facilities. However, they also provide victims' rights services.

Criminal Justice Information AuthorityThe Criminal Justice Information Authority's primary function is to track crime trends and statistics, which are available on its website. It uses this information to work with law enforcement and legislators. It also provides information about the options available to people who have criminal records.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing CommissionThe Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission helps people who suffer from these conditions live and work in Illinois communities. It licenses and refers interpreters and provides other informational resources.

State Board of EducationThe State Board of Education provides State support, guidance and oversight to local P-12 public schools. Its website is a good resource to learn about State educational requirements and programs that may benefit your children.

State Board of ElectionsThe State Board of Elections manages elections and voter registration. Visit its website to find out who your elected representatives are and whether or not you are registered to vote (and if not, how to register). You can also learn about voting options and candidates' financial disclosures.

Emergency Management AgencyThe Emergency Management Agency's job is to organize Illinois' response to disasters. Their website has information about natural emergencies (tornadoes, floods, etc.) and man-made disasters (terrorism, nuclear emergencies, etc.). They have resources to help you prepare and keep safe when the worst happens.

Department of Employment SecurityThe Department of Employment Security manages unemployment insurance payments and tracks statistics. It also manages programs to help the unemployed find work and get training.

Environmental Protection AgencyAs its name implies, the goal of this agency is preserving the environment for future generations. Visit its website for information on recycling; disposing of hazardous materials in a safe way; state regulations that may impact your business; and clean air, land and water.

State FairEach August, the Illinois State Fair is held in Springfield to show off Illinois agricultural products and provide family-friendly entertainment.

Finance AuthorityThe Finance Authority helps Illinois businesses obtain the capital they need to get started and to expand. It provides bonds and loans and helps businesses connect with private lenders.

Department of Financial and Professional RegulationThe Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees banks and professionals like doctors who need State licenses to practice. If you run a business, you may need a license from this agency. If you are a consumer, you can look up disciplinary reports and file complaints.

Commission on Government Forecasting and AccountabilityThe Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is a bipartisan legislative agency charged with providing accurate information about State finances. Visit its website to learn about the final budgets passed each year, revenue estimates and more.

Office of the GovernorThe governor is the chief executive of Illinois. He oversees all State agencies that are not headed by other elected officials. His website has many informational resources.

Guardianship and Advocacy CouncilThe Guardianship and Advocacy Council protects the rights of people with disabilities. It provides court-appointed guardians for individuals who have no family to turn to, legal assistance for people with disabilities and their families and help for people with disabilities who have experienced human rights violations.

Department of Healthcare and Family ServicesThe Department of Healthcare and Family Services' primary role is to support low-income families and inviduals, especially low-income families with children. It manages the State's Medicaid program, ALLKIDS insurance program and more. It also can help single and divorced parents collect late child support payments.

Board of Higher EducationThe Board of Higher Education oversees Illinois' public university system. Public universities provide bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees and professional degrees at a generally lower cost than their private competitors.

Historic Preservation AgencyThe Historic Preservation Agency maintains all of Illinois' state historic sites and administers federal historic sites in the state. It also helps individuals and local communities with their historic preservation endeavors.

Human Rights CommissionThe Human Rights Commission adjudicates human rights violation complaints. It also provides resources for people who believe their rights have been violated.

Department of Human RightsThe Department of Human Rights investigates charges of human rights violations. It also operates informational programs and training programs for businesses. Under Illinois law, it is illegal for employers, housing companies and others to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, military/veteran status and order of protection status. In some cases, citizenship status, familial status and criminal record status also apply.

Department of Human ServicesThe Department of Human Services provides assistance to low-income families and individuals. These programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and more. Often, even when services are administered by other agencies, applications go through DHS.

Illinois GovernmentVisit the general Illinois government website to find a variety of information about the state in a well-organized setting.

General AssemblyThe General Assembly is the legislative branch of Illinois Government. It makes laws and authorizes spending.

Department of InsuranceThe Department of Insurance regulates private insurance agencies within Illinois. It also operates the Senior Health Insurance Program to help seniors navigate the gaps in Medicare and provides important consumer protection assistance.

Labor Relations BoardThe Labor Relations Board has jurisdiction between public employee unions and State and local government (excluding educators, who have their own separate board).

Department of LaborThe Department of Labor protects the rights, safety and wages of Illinois workers. It also regulates amusement park and carnival rides. Visit its website to learn more or file complaints about violations of state workers' rights laws.

Liquor Control CommissionThe Liquor Control Commission licenses businesses that sell alcoholic beverages. It also has informational programs to help prevent underage drinking and smoking and can accept complaints about businesses that violate State alcohol, tobacco and gambling laws.

LotteryThe State-run lottery offers Illinois residents an opportunity to legally gamble and support important programs like education. You can review past winning numbers, unclaimed prizes and more on the lottery's website.

Office of the Lieutenant GovernorShould anything happen to the governor, the lieutenant governor becomes the chief executive of Illinois. Her duties are largely dictated by the governor, but she is also the head of several commissions and task forces.

Governor's Office of Management and the BudgetThe Governor's Office of Management and the Budget is the executive agency that tracks State spending and helps the governor propose a budget each year. A variety of reports on State finances are available on its website.

Power AgencyThe Power Agency helps ensure that utility companies supply energy at the lowest possible cost, using as much renewable energy as they can.

Prisoner Review BoardThe Prisoner Review Board deals with situations where inmates are released from correctional facilities. It sets rules on exiting inmates, reviews allegations of parole violations, notifies victims and their families when prisoners are being released and more.

Property Tax Appeal BoardThe Property Tax Appeal Board hears taxpayer complaints that cannot be settled between the taxpayer and their local county assessors.

Department of Public HealthThe Department of Public Health's goal is to keep the people of Illinois healthy. It oversees food sanitation, maintains birth and death records, runs health-related programs and more.

Office of the Secretary of StateThe Secretary of State performs many important record-keeping functions. He registers and licenses vehicles and drivers, licenses businesses and runs the Illinois State Library, among other things.

Office of the State Fire MarshalThe State Fire Marshal's main goal is to promote fire safety. He provides support and inspection services to local fire departments and businesses and fire-safety information to the public.

State Police Merit BoardThe State Police Merit Board is responsible for recruiting, promoting and disciplining Illinois State Police officers.

State PoliceThe State Police help protect the people of Illinois by patrolling State highways and performing other important public safety tasks. They provide a great deal of important information on their website and are responsible for processing Firearm Owner Identification cards.

Office of the TreasurerThe Treasurer's main purpose is investing Illinois' money. His office provides a number of investment programs that may be of interest to businesses and individuals. He also maintains a database of unclaimed property.

TourismVisit Enjoy Illinois, the State's official tourism website to learn about fun opportunities for vacations and stay-cations here in Illinois.

Transparency and AccountabilityVisit the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal to learn more about State expenditures, employees, contracts and more.

Department of TransportationThe Department of Transportation manages Illinois' system of highways. Visit its website for important information about construction and weather-related road closures, maps and more.

Department of Veterans' AffairsIllinois provides many services to veterans, including monetary assistance for low-income veterans and their families, veterans' homes and free and reduced-price licenses for various activities. Visit the department's website for more information.

Workers' Compensation CommissionThe Workers' Compensation Commission arbitrates workers' compensation claims to help protect workers from employers who won't pay for injuries incurred on the job and to protect employers from expensive lawsuits.

State Senator Melinda Bush began her first term as a member of the 98th General Assembly in January of 2013.

Bush, a lifelong resident of Lake County, first entered public office as a trustee for the village of Grayslake, serving for four years. She also has been a small-business owner and a constant voice for environmental protection measures.

Prior to her election to the Illinois Senate, Bush served on the Lake County Board, fighting for the creation of good-paying jobs in Lake County and the balancing of the county’s budget. Bush was integral in passing meaningful ethics reforms which added important levels of transparency and accountability to the County and Forest Preserve Boards.

In the Illinois Senate, Bush’s passion for ethics and good government, economic development, gender equality, discrimination and harassment prevention, environmental protection and solving the opioid epidemic shines through in her work at the Capitol. Bush chairs the Senate's Environment & Conservation Committee and serves on the following committees: Appropriations II, Education, Government Accountability and Pensions, Revenue, and Transportation.

Bush resides in Grayslake with her husband, Andy, where she has been a resident since she was 8 years old. They have one adult son, Chris.